I've been a visitor to this forum for a few weeks, and have found it to be both informative and fun. I was very surprised to learn of the apparent discovery of perchlorate in Martian soil, and even more surprised that it has generated so little discussion here.

Based on my limited understanding of the history of the Earth, the initial planetary conditions were characterized by a chemically reducing environment. It was only after the innovation of photosynthesis (and considerable time) that a surplus of oxygen was produced to yield the currently moderately oxidizing environment.

That makes me wonder what process could produce something so strongly oxidizing as perchlorate on Mars. I am not aware of any other body in the solar system that is known to have a non-reducing condition, but that could be simply my own ignorance. I'd be grateful for thoughts from those with more knowledge on the subject.

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Mike